Boat Trailer Cost

How Much Does a Boat Trailer Cost?

Trailers are generally used to transport boats 14'-25' long. Typically, a boat and trailer are bought as a pre-assembled package. Some buyers or boat owners trade up for a sturdier, more durable trailer with a heavier maximum weight capacity. The lightest and least expensive boat trailers are single axle -- these have a tight turning radius and are easy to maneuver by hand, but less stable when towed and hard to control if a tire goes flat. Dual (tandem) or tri-axle trailers typically cost more but can pull heavier weights, tow more smoothly (less sway), have better traction on uneven surfaces and are easier to control with a flat tire. BoatUS.org offers an overview of boat trailers.

Typical costs:

A lightweight or economy-model single-axle boat trailer 14' long or shorter can cost $700-$1,100 or more, depending on size, weight capacity and materials (aluminum, galvanized or steel), for use with lightweight craft. For example, DirectBoats.com offers an Economy Fishing Boat Trailer[1] for $720-$800.

Tandem axle boat trailers 18'-25' long typically cost $1,800-$5,000 or more, for use with larger and heavier fishing boats, sailboats or power boats. For example, the 18'-20' tandem-axle Bear LTV 72-20TG[3] for aluminum or fiberglass bass boats sells for about $2,000. Tri-axle trailers start at $5,000-$7,000.

Trailers for personal watercraft start at $600-$800 for do-it-yourself kits for a lightweight single-axle trailer, and can cost $1,000-$2,800 or more depending on whether the trailer is single or tandem axle, if it's galvanized and whether it holds one to three personal watercraft. For example, Northern Tool + Equipment offers a Northern Industrial Personal Watercraft Trailer Kit[4] with a 610-pound capacity for $600, while DirectBoats.com sells a 15' Double Jet Ski/PWC Tandem-Axle Trailer Kit[5] with a 600-pound winch for $1,740-$2,200.

Canoe or kayak trailers cost $600-$1,500 for a single-boat trailer and can cost $2,000-$5,000 or more for a trailer with racks to hold six or up to 20 canoes or kayaks. For example, the aluminum Trailex UT-1000-6-04 canoe trailer[6] can hold six 18' canoes, has a 1,000-pound capacity and lists for $2,529.

New trailers typically depreciate 15%-20% when they leave the dealer's lot and roughly 10% each additional year, according to traileroutlet.com.

In most states, trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating of 1,500 pounds or more must have brakes on all wheels. These can be surge brakes (illegal in some states), which are activated after the tow vehicle's brakes have slowed the trailer, or electric brakes that are connected to the tow vehicle's brakes. The American Boating Association charts towing laws by state[9] .

An electronic trailer brake controller typically costs $40-$200 from auto parts stores, trailer dealers or online retailers like Amazon[11] . If the tow vehicle is prewired, the controller can be plugged in and used immediately. If not, installation/wiring can add $100-$200 or more.

A breakaway system ($10-$40) to stop a towed trailer or vehicle if it gets loose typically includes a battery, switch and wiring, and is available from trailer or boat dealers, or from online retailers like Amazon[12] .

Towing a boat and trailer will reduce the tow vehicle's fuel efficiency by at least a couple miles per gallon, and could cut it by half or more.

10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Before the HolidaysWith reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there. || Posted November 23 2013

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Power WashingPaid: 280.00Highly recommended.Jerry came and gave a free estimate. They pressure washed my walkway and driveway which is nice size and patio area. Did a fantastic job... [more]

Extraction & Bone graftPaid: 4200.0012 teeth (upper) extracted. Felt pain of every tooth being pulled. Worse Dental experience ever. Had Novocain and Laughing gas. Told dentists I was in pain and she just kept shooting more Novocain into my gums. Told a total of 5 hours... [more]